System for fixing a panel made of brittle material

ABSTRACT

A fixing system for fixing a panel of fragile material to a bearing structure, including at least one point fastener engaging with at least one first contact region produced in the panel. The point fastener includes a first anchoring part at a first contact region and a second anchoring part at a second contact region situated on the panel. The first and second anchoring parts are connected by at least one adjusting device configured to bring the first and second anchoring parts to bear against the first and second contact regions respectively and are situated in the plane of the panel.

The present invention relates to the field of fixing means and relatesmore specifically to a system for fixing panels of fragile material to abearing structure using point attachments.

Particularly in the field of the fixing of glazing to bearing structuresof buildings, there are numerous point fixing systems in existenceintended to preserve maximum visibility through the glazing, by pointattachments that occupy only a very small surface area of the glazing.Thus, point fixing systems with fasteners that hold the glazing byclamping on both faces of the glass panel, sometimes on each side of athrough-hole, have been proposed. Such systems are described inparticular in documents FR-A-2 739 406 and DE-A-195 14 818.

These systems provide a solution tailored to the problem of fixing apanel in a plane roughly coplanar with the bearing structure but do notoffer an optimum solution in terms of immobilizing the panel in theplane of the bearing structure. What happens is that the known fixingsystems of the prior art are positioned in a direction roughlyperpendicular to the plane of the panel, thereby generating anadditional space between the bearing structure and the plane of thepanel for their installation, this installation projecting from theplane of the panel introducing a moment that detracts from the life ofthe fixing.

All that leads to a considerable cost which carries the risk ofrestricting the use of these systems to prestige installations.

The object of the present invention is to propose a point fixing systemthat is simple but still satisfactory from the point of view of estheticrequirements and which lies roughly in the plane of the panel.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a fixing system for fixinga panel of fragile material to a bearing structure, comprising at leastone point fastener engaging with at least one first contact regionproduced in the panel, which is characterized in that said pointfastener comprises a first anchoring part at a first contact region anda second anchoring part at a second contact region, the first and secondanchoring parts being, on the one hand, connected by at least oneadjusting device designed to bring the first and second anchoring partsto bear against the first and second contact regions respectively and,on the other hand, situated in the plane of the panel.

By virtue of this fixing system, the forces resulting from the fixing ofthe panel to the bearing structure are directed in the plane of thepanel and roughly in the continuation thereof, thus not introducingadditional thickness between the panel and the bearing structure.

The invention is thus suited to the fixing of glass panels of all types:monolithic, laminated, or multiple glazing, with sheets of glass,possibly laminated, separated by air gaps or gaps filled with some othergas, the glass not necessarily being toughened or, as appropriate,having been toughened to a far more relaxed specification.

The presence of the adjusting device makes it possible to introduce intothe plane of the panels compressive stresses which will oppose themechanical forces, particularly of tension, when said panel is fixed tothe bearing structure or to another panel.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, recourse may possibly be hadto one and/or another of the following measures:

-   -   the second contact region is situated on the panel,    -   the second contact region is situated on the edge face of the        panel,    -   the second contact region is situated on the side of the panel,    -   the second contact region is situated on the bearing structure,    -   the first and/or the second contact region is produced within a        blind orifice,    -   the first and/or the second contact region is produced within an        open orifice,    -   the first and/or the second contact region is produced within a        cut-out,    -   the first and/or the second contact region is produced using a        number of raised regions,    -   the first and/or the second contact region is produced by        pinching,    -   the first and second contact regions are positioned on two        respective adjacent sides of the panel,    -   the first and second contact regions are positioned one on each        side of an axis of symmetry of the panel,    -   the fixing system comprises two point fasteners each positioned        on each side of a mid-plane roughly parallel to the panel, this        mid-plane also being roughly perpendicular to the first and        second contact regions,    -   the fixing system comprises a rigid interlayer positioned        between one of the first and second contact regions and one of        the first or second anchoring parts,    -   the adjusting device comprises a tensioning device,    -   the tensioning device comprises a screw-nut device,    -   the adjusting device comprises a torque-limiting device,    -   the interlayer comprises a rigid interlayer element and an        adhesive material, the rigid interlayer element contributing to        the dimensional stability of the layer by reacting the forces        while the adhesive material allows an adhesive bond to be        achieved,    -   the interlayer element is made of a material with a Shore D        hardness of the order of at least 70 to 75,    -   the material of which the interlayer element is made is chosen        from transparent materials such as polycarbonate or hard        silicone which does not adversely affect the esthetics of the        whole,    -   the adhesive material in particular has a Shore A hardness of        the order of 30 to 35 and is chosen from silicone adhesives        commonly used with glass,    -   the interlayer element is arranged along the axis of the        mid-plane of the panel,    -   one of the first or second contact regions is fitted with a        ferrule, the latter having the point fasteners passing through        it.

The fixing system according to the invention allows vertical or inclinedpanels to be fixed, particularly for screens or facings of straightfacades, the point fasteners alone taking the weight of the glazing orthe like.

The system makes it possible to take practically all the verticalcomponent of the forces to which the panel is subjected.

Another subject of the invention is the application of a fixing systemas described hereinabove to the production of a roof structure or facademade of panels of fragile material, particularly glass.

It also applies to the use of a fixing system as described hereinaboveto the making of a connection between at least two panels, it beingpossible for these panels to move relative to one another, particularlyin sliding or in pivoting.

The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to theattached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a screen suspended from a bearingstructure;

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a detail of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts an alternative form of the invention, depicted inperspective,

FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 3.

In the appended drawings, some elements may be depicted larger orsmaller than they are in real life, in order to make the figures easierto understand.

FIG. 1 depicts a screen, more commonly known as a “diffusing screen” inthis technical field, made up of at least one glass panel 1, this glasspanel being intended to be suspended from a bearing structure using atleast one fixing system 2 according to the invention.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, there are four fixing systems 2 perpanel 1, acting one in each corner of the panel. Of course, the numberand location of the fixing systems on the panel can be altered to suitthe architectural desires.

For very extensive glazed surfaces comprising a great many juxtaposedglass panels, two or more adjacent point fasteners may be fixed to thestructure by a two-arm or multi-arm connecting piece.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the embodiment of the panel 1 of FIG. 1, at oneof its corners.

The panel 1 is provided with a first contact region 3 and with a contactregion 4 which are positioned roughly on each side of an axis ofsymmetry of said panel 1, in this instance along one of its diagonals.These first and second contact regions 3, 4 are situated at two adjacentedge faces 5, 6 respectively of the panel 1 and have an open part thusallowing at least one point fastener 7 to pass. As an alternative, thesecontact regions may be situated on one of the sides of the panel, withina blind or open orifice, or via cut-outs or raised regions (roughnesses,flutes, studs, etc.) or alternatively via a connection of the pinchingtype.

The fixing system 2 depicted in FIG. 2 comprises two point fasteners 7,8 each positioned on either side of a mid-plane of said panel. Thismid-plane is roughly parallel to the plane of the panel andperpendicular to the first and second contact regions 3, 4.

Each of the point attachments is in the form of a U-shaped clip and ispreferably made of a metallic material, particularly of stainless steel.

Each of the clips (depicted in section in FIG. 3) has a central part 9,10 and two lateral parts 11, 12, 13, 14. The central part 9, 10 of eachclip bears on each of the first and second contact regions 3, 4 at firstand second anchoring parts respectively, while each of the lateral parts11, 12, 13, 14 of each of the clips positioned on one and the same sideof the panel are connected together by adjusting devices 15, 16 designedto move the central parts 9, 10 of the clips closer together within thecontact regions 3, 4.

In the exemplary embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the adjusting device isa tensioning device consisting of a screw-nut system, the part acting asa nut consisting, for example, of a ring with a tapped thread on itsinternal wall, this ring being mounted to slide on a lateral part of theclip, the part acting as a nut for example consisting of a threaded endof the lateral part of the second clip positioned on the same side ofthe panel.

By moving the point fasteners closer together using the adjustingdevices 15, 16 it is possible to introduce into the region of the panelopposite the anchoring parts compressive stresses which could opposethose generated as the panel is being attached to the bearing structure.

Of course, the material of which the point fasteners are made will bealtered to suit the mass of the panel, the nature of the material ofwhich the panel is made and the intensity of the induced stresses. Itwill thus be possible to choose plastics or composites.

Likewise, according to an alternative form not depicted in the figures,a torque-limiting devices, particularly one operating on friction forexample, may be added to the adjusting devices 15, 16.

FIGS. 3 and 4 depict another alternative form of embodiment of theinvention. This differs from the one depicted in FIG. 2 in that one ofthe contact regions (the first or the second) is not situated on theperiphery of the panel but in a part set back from the edge.

Furthermore, in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the point fasteners of thefixing system 2 do not bear directly against the edge face of the panelin a contact region, but at an interlayer 17.

The interlayer 17 comprises an interlayer element arranged near thebearing region and possibly an adhesive material deposited on theinterlayer element.

The interlayer element is a rigid sheet, preferably transparent, forexample made of polycarbonate or hard silicone with a Shore D hardnessof the order of at least 70 to 75.

The adhesive is advantageously also transparent, particularly based on asilicone or acrylic material that is UV-cross-linkable.

By virtue of the presence of the rigid interlayer element, the adhesivecan be relatively flexible, with a hardness lower than that of theinterlayer element. Thus, an adhesive material which, in a cured state,has a Shore A hardness of the order of 30 to 35, for example of thesilicone type, makes it possible to achieve an effective adhesive jointbetween the interlayer element and the glass panel, while the interlayerelement gives the interlayer 17 the required rigidity.

Once the adhesive material has cured, the interlayer 17 allows all theweight of the panel to be transmitted to the structure without the riskof crushing the layer over time by virtue of the rigid interlayerelement.

In the alternative form of embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the contactregion set back from the periphery of the panel comprises a ferrule 18,made of a metallic material. This ferrule by bearing on the walls of thecontact region mechanically strengthens the walls of the contact regionand therefore allows the fixing system to bear higher induced forces.

As an alternative not depicted in the figures, this ferrule 18 isprovided with an articulation to allow any relative movements to betransmitted when the panel is being fitted and/or under the effect oflocalized loads (the weight of snow cover) or thermal expansion of thepanel.

In this embodiment, not depicted, the articulation consists of a ball orany other equivalent articulation system, preferably allowing anamplitude of movement of at least 5° angle in each direction.

The fixing system 2 according to the invention provides a good solutionthat does not require special fashioning of the glass panel, the contactregions being machined regions that can be produced easily.

By advantageously choosing transparent materials to make the interlayerand possibly the fixing system, the fixing solution obtained meets theesthetic requirements of maximum transparency often laid down by thearchitects.

The detailed description of the invention has just been given for thecase of particular embodiments of screens, to which the invention is notrestricted.

Finally, the panels to be fixed may be glazing, of the monolithic,laminated, hybrid, decorated type, but may also involve display panelsor alternatively panels of natural fragile material such as stone,marble or synthetic panels.

By virtue of this fixing system, it is possible to connect together atleast two panels or at least one panel and a bearing structure, it beingpossible for these panels to move relative to one another (pivoting,sliding) or alternatively it being possible to achieve openingframe/fixed frame functions.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A fixing system for fixing a panel of fragilematerial to a bearing structure, comprising: at least one point fastenerconfigured to engage with at least one first contact region produced inthe panel, wherein said point fastener comprises a first anchoring partat a first contact region and a second anchoring part at a secondcontact region situated on the panel, the first and second anchoringparts being connected by at least one adjusting device configured tobring the first and second anchoring parts to bear against the first andsecond contact regions respectively and being situated in a plane of thepanel.
 27. The fixing system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the secondcontact region is situated on an edge face of the panel.
 28. The fixingsystem as claimed in claim 26, wherein the second contact region issituated on a side of the panel.
 29. The fixing system as claimed inclaim 26, wherein the second contact region is situated on the bearingstructure.
 30. The fixing system as claimed in claim 26, wherein atleast one of the first and the second contact regions is produced withina blind orifice.
 31. The fixing system as claimed in claim 26, whereinat least one of the first and the second contact regions is producedwithin an open orifice.
 32. The fixing system as claimed in claim 26,wherein at least one of the first and the second contact regions isproduced within a cut-out.
 33. The fixing system as claimed in claim 26,wherein at least one of the first and the second contact regions isproduced using a number of raised regions.
 34. The fixing system asclaimed in claim 26, wherein at least one of the first and the secondcontact regions is produced by pinching.
 35. The fixing system asclaimed in claim 26, wherein the first and second contact regions arepositioned on two respective adjacent sides of the panel.
 36. The fixingsystem as claimed in claim 35, wherein the first and second contactregions are positioned one on each side of an axis of symmetry of thepanel.
 37. The fixing system as claimed in claim 26, wherein the fixingsystem comprises two point fasteners each positioned on each side of amid-plane roughly parallel to the panel, the mid-plane also beingroughly perpendicular to the first and second contact regions.
 38. Thefixing system as claimed in claim 26, further comprising a rigidinterlayer positioned between one of the first and second contactregions and one of the first or second anchoring parts.
 39. The fixingsystem as claimed in claim 26, wherein the adjusting device comprises atensioning device.
 40. The fixing system as claimed in claim 39, whereinthe tensioning device comprises a screw-nut device.
 41. The fixingsystem as claimed in claim 39, wherein the adjusting device comprises atorque-limiting device.
 42. The fixing system as claimed in claim 38,wherein the rigid interlayer comprises a rigid interlayer element and anadhesive material, the rigid interlayer element contributing todimensional stability by reacting forces while the adhesive materialallows an adhesive bond to be achieved.
 43. The fixing system as claimedin claim 42, wherein the interlayer element is made of a material with aShore D hardness of the order of at least 70 to
 75. 44. The fixingsystem as claimed in claim 43, wherein the material of which theinterlayer element is made is chosen from transparent materials ofpolycarbonate or hard silicone that do not adversely affect esthetics.45. The fixing system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the adhesivematerial has a Shore A hardness of the order of 30 to 35 and is chosenfrom silicone adhesives.
 46. The fixing system as claimed in claim 42,wherein the interlayer element is arranged along an axis of a mid-planeof the panel.
 47. The fixing system as claimed in claims 26, wherein oneof the first or second contact regions is fitted with a ferrule, havingthe point fasteners passing through it.
 48. The Application of a fixingsystem as claimed in claim 26 to production of a screen or facade madeof panels of fragile material.
 49. Application as claimed claim 48,wherein the panels are vertical or inclined to a vertical. 50.Application of a fixing system as claimed in claim 26 to making aconnection between at least two panels configured to move relative toone another.